Kahlúa Coffee Liqueur (16% alc./vol.)

Product of: Mexico

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Created in Mexico's Yacatán region in 1936, Kahlùa is the original and world's number one selling coffee liqueur. It is made by blending roasted and ground Arabica coffee beans with water and sugar cane spirit. Vanilla and caramel are added, and it is rested for eight weeks before bottling.

In 2004, the alcohol content of Kahlúa was reduced from 26.5% to 20% alc./vol. although peculiarly a 21.5% alc./vol. remained available in Ohio. Then, in 2021, the alc./vol. collapsed again in several markets, including the UK and Canada, to a very low 16% alc./vol..

Review and Tasting

Sampled on 08/02/2022

Appearance:

Clear, virtually opaque, deep brown.

Aroma:

Freshly ground coffee, dark chocolate and vanilla.

Taste:

Dark chocolate and coffee compete for prominence with strong vanilla and faint smokiness.

Aftertaste:

Mocha espresso and white chocolate (Milky Bar).

Overall:

Previously a go-to coffee liqueur, but repeated drops in alcohol have ripped out the guts of Kahlúa to leave it comparatively thin compared to more premium competitors.